Maria Elvira - age 98 - La Mesilla Martsh - Martinez

Maria Elvira (Vera) Martsh - Martinez, 98, Maria was born December 2, 1914 to Salvador Valdez, and Vereranda Chavez she was called to be with the Lord on Friday, October 11, 2013. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she always knew the importance of an education and was proud to receive her GED certificate from Northern when she was in her 60’s. Maria worked as a housekeeper in Los Alamos, a teacher’s aid and a cook for the Española Schools. Maria raised her children well and was proud of all of them. She was always happy to have company over and was ready to serve coffee and goodies or a home cooked meal. She will be forever remembered by her grandchildren for her delicious rice pudding. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, and father of her children, John Martsh, her second husband, Roman Martinez Sr., her sisters, Cornelia Valdez and Mary Tapia, brothers, Candido, Celestino, Fred, Jose Romolo, and David Valdez, sisters-in-laws, Elaiza, Lafida, and Phyllis, brothers-in-laws, Ben Maestas and Eddie Tapia. Maria is survived by her children; John Martsh (Carmen) of Albuquerque, Shirley DeVargas of Española, James Martsh (Rosella) of El Llano, and Barbara Fresquez (Paul) of La Mesilla, 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Eliza Maestas of Española, brother, Sammy Valdez (Lily) of Denver, Co, sister-in-law, Chon and Margaret Valdez, a very special niece Mabel Harris of Fountain, CO, Donna Martinez a dear friend who was always there for her and many nephews and nieces and her wonderful caregivers, Carmella Fierro, Matilde Herrera, and Mayra Gutierrez. A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Burial to follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz. The family of Maria Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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